Not long ago, kids would borrow their parents' cell phones to make calls on the go. Now, with several small, colorful mobile phones designed for kids, more and more children are getting connected. "Parents like being able to provide their child with a phone," says Joe Farren of CTIA, an association of wireless companies.
Last year, 20% of kids ages 10 to 14 and 9% of 5- to 9-year-olds used cell phones, according to Morgan Stanley research. Companies are gearing up to reach even more young users. How many parents and kids will answer the call?
Busy Signals
Mahalia Lotz and Terry Zhang, both 9, live in Maryland. The girls told
TFK that they want their own cell phones to use in emergencies and for
fun. "If we had our own phones, we could just talk, talk, talk," says
Terry.
That's exactly what some adults fear. Joan Almon of Alliance for Child-hood, a nonprofit group that promotes children's issues, thinks that mobile-phone use interrupts play. "Technology gets in the way," she says. "It's not the same as face-to-face contact."
Last July, 30 concerned commu-nity leaders sent Congress a letter expressing their worries about the costs, safety and health effects of kids' cell phones. Gary Ruskin, the executive director of Commercial Alert, wrote the letter. He points out that aside from possible health and safety dangers, the financial strain is a worry. "You could easily imagine a kid downloading 600 ringtones," he says. "Who gets stuck with the bill?"
Critics may not be able to stop the growing trend. Verizon Wireless and Firefly Mobile report that sales of their new kids' phones have far exceeded expectations. Disney will offer a phone this summer. Diane Levin, the author of Remote Control Childhood? questions whether companies benefit unfairly by pushing the coolness factor of phones to kids.
In the eyes of Daniel Neal, however, adults underestimate children. "Kids are smart," notes Neal, whose new company, Kajeet, plans to sell family cell phones later this year. "They really deserve and can use all kinds of technologies."
Migo
The Look: Big 911 key and four numbered speed-dial keys
Features: 10 ringtones, vibrate mode, speakerphone
Firefly
The Look: Mom and Dad speed-dial keys, 911 button, flashing lights,
color covers available
Features: Phone book for 20 numbers, caller ID, 12 ringtones. Parents
can limit calls in and out.
Wherifone
The Look: Five numbered speed-dial keys and a big 911 key; comes in five
colors
Features: Speakerphone, paging, caller ID; locator device inside allows
parents to quickly track the phone's location
Tictalk
The Look: Two buttons, center wheel for scrolling
Features: LeapFrog games, photos, music, speakerphone, stopwatch,
recordable ringtones. Parents set limits for use.